Withania somnifera

ashwagandha

plant overview

ashwagandha for ayurveda

This cousin to the tomato and potato has a long history of use in India.
Because it is still considered an important Ayurvedic herb with qualities
similar to ginseng, ashwagandha is also known as Indian ginseng.

Clicking "learn more" next to each variety will take you to individual
product pages for details.

01.
A Bit of Botany

a bit of botanical information about ashwagandha

description
Ashwagandha is a short evergreen shrub of the Solanaceae (Nightshade) family
that grows 13-30 inches tall.

The branches extend radially from a central
stem. The flowers are small and green and hermaphroditic. Almost the whole
plant is covered with short, fine, silver-grey, branched hairs. The stems
are brownish and prostrate to erect, sometimes leafless below. The leaves
are alternate (opposite on flowering shoots), simple, margins entire to
slightly wavy, broadly ovate, obovate or oblong. The ripe fruit is
orange-red; the fruit is a hairless spherical berry.

In southern Africa the flowering time is mostly from October to June, while the fruiting time is
mostly from October to July.

common names
& nomenclature
Its Hindu name means "horse smell," because the herb smells like a sweaty
horse. The species name somnifera means "sleep-inducing" in Latin.

growing
Sow seeds in early spring in a greenhouse or indoors. There is usually a
high germination rate within 2 weeks. Transplant the seedlings into
individual pots, once they are large enough to handle—plant them outside
after the last frost. Consider giving the plants some protection (such as a
cold frame or similar) until they are established and growing well.

harvesting
Leaves, fruit and root are harvested in Spring and Fall.

preserving
The root and leaves may be powdered or dried, while the berries may be chewed or also dried.

04.
The Rest of The Story

ashwagandha history, folklore, literature & more

ashwagandha, the all around indian delight
Ashwagandha is an herb you may not know much about, but it’s actually one of
the most important herbs around. It’s also known as the winter cherry. The
herb has been used for centuries throughout India and Africa to treat all
kinds of ailments. You may want to see for yourself how ashwagandha can
help you.

Taking ashwagandha regularly can actually help to keep you healthier. It
works to boost your immune system and keep you from coming down with
infections. It’s especially a good idea to take it during cold and flu
season to prevent problems from germs that other people transmit.

If you're under a lot of stress, ashwagandha can actually help you to relax and
have more energy to take care of business. It's also known to give people more
muscle endurance, so it can help you to have the energy you need to take care of
your body and mind.

Ashwagandha can also help you to improve your mental focus. It's known for
helping the brain to function more efficiently and stimulates your nervous
system so that you can focus better and learn more effectively. When you can
concentrate better, you can more done in less time. Who wouldn't want that
benefit?

If you have problems with numbness or poor circulation in your extremities,
ashwagandha can actually help to restore circulation and feeling. It can also
help to lower blood pressure.

And increased blood flow to the body that occurs as a result of using
ashwagandha can actually help you to heal faster when it comes to injuries such
as bruises, broken bones, and muscle sprains. Ashwagandha leaves can also be
rubbed on the skin to repel insects.

Perhaps one of the best-known properties of ashwagandha is enhancing sexual
desires. It can improve endurance of lovers in the bedroom and can actually
increase attraction and desire. Some studies have also shown that it improves
sperm count in men and that sperm will actually be higher quality. This is good
news for a couple looking to start a family.

If you're looking for a good all around herb that can help you with just about
anything that's ailing you, ashwagandha is a good choice. Keep it on hand to
take as a tonic or to help you with specific problems as they occur.

Ashwagandha can be taken in many forms such as teas, powders, pills, and even
syrups. The plant can also be applied directly to the skin to treat problems
such as bed sores and skin inflammation.

for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by
the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised: you should always consult with your doctorbefore making any changes
to your diet!!

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